One Publique Debate Challenge: Breaking Barriers 2026

One Publique successfully concluded its annual ‘One Publique Debate Challenge: Breaking Barriers 2026’ on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Aster International School. The event brought together outstanding young debaters from across Thailand who took the stage to engage with topics inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), centered on the “3Es”: Education, Environment, and Equality.

This year’s competition marked a major milestone for the Thai debate community, as One Publique officially introduced the Congressional Debate format to Thailand for the first time alongside the well-established Asian Parliamentary Debate format. Running in parallel, the two formats welcomed 75 debaters who demonstrated analytical thinking, public speaking excellence, and persuasive argumentation before a distinguished panel of adjudicators, including former Thailand National Team members, international debate and public speaking champions, and alumni from leading global institutions such as the University of Oxford, University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia University. 

The Asian Parliamentary Debate track featured students from Grades 5–12, who competed across three rigorous rounds designed to challenge their argumentative, collaborative, and critical thinking skills. Throughout the day, the debaters demonstrated determination, sportsmanship, and intellectual curiosity. Beyond the competition, the event served as a vibrant platform for young leaders to exchange ideas on pressing global issues and build meaningful connections within the debate community.

Meanwhile, the newly introduced Congressional Debate attracted significant attention as a new debate format in Thailand. The rising debaters from Grades 4-9 took the floor to deliver thoughtful speeches on important global issues, proposing legislative solutions and policy changes in a simulated congressional setting. The event led to an exciting Podium Round, where eight finalists across two age divisions took the stage and delivered bold and insightful speeches advocating for real changes in the world.  

While the one-day competition concluded with trophies and celebrations, the lasting impact extended far beyond awards. Debaters left with memorable experiences, a stronger sense of confidence, and new friendships. 

One Publique will continue its learning programs through public speaking and debate summer camps starting in June 2026, designed to further develop students’ confidence, communication, and analytical thinking beyond the classroom. For more information, please click https://www.facebook.com/OnePublique/

Through events like Breaking Barriers and its programs, One Publique remains committed to expanding opportunities for youth in public speaking, critical thinking, and global citizenship in the years to come.